Sports
Oly, AshGold to set Accra ablaze … as ‘famished’ fans return
The thrilling Ghana Premier League (GPL) resumes with week-eight fixtures at the various centres, and splashed with good news for the famished fans.
On Tuesday, the government announced the lifting of a ban imposed on football fans since March last year to attend games, due to COVID-19 concerns.
Though the various venues will admit only 25 per cent of fans, the move by the government to allow fans back into the stadium will still be much treasured by the clubs as they continue to incur huge costs as a result of games being played behind closed doors.
The pick of the week incontestably will be the cagey game between impressive Great Olympics who lie sixth on the ladder on 11 points and fourth-placed AshantiGold slated for the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow, with about 9,000 fans expected to attend. The Miners are only a point better than the Dade boys.
As usual, the Oly boys will rely heavily on skipper Gladson Awako to inspire them to victory in a game expected to produce pure fireworks and should put fans of the two teams on nerves.
Yet another huge fixture will be contested between Elmina Sharks and in-form Hearts of Oak at the Ndoum Sports Stadium in Elmina. The Phobians last weekend put up a sparkling performance to inflict a crushing 6-1 win over a hitherto unbeaten Bechem United at the Accra Sports Stadium. That inspiring victory could galvanise the away team to another great result, though it looks a very tall order for them.
In other potentially stirring games, wounded joint leaders – Bechem United, will welcome King Faisal to Bechem tomorrow, hoping to restore the smiles on the faces of their fans.
Eleven Wonders will sit at the comfort of home on Sunday to welcome stubborn Karela United in a tie that could go either way though a stalemate looks more likely.
Berekum Chelsea look the favourites to scoop all maximum points as they welcome Inter Allies to the Golden City Park tomorrow; but Aduana Stars should this afternoon pose some tough challenge to hosts Medeama SC whose attack will be bolstered by the signing of former Asante Kotoko Burkinabe forward Ahmed Toure on a two-year deal.
Sadly, Toure can only start his Medeama career next month when the second transfer window is opened.
At the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu tomorrow, Dreams FC are tipped to go past traveling Ebusua Dwarfs, but that result would not come home easy at all.
The tie between Asante Kotoko and Liberty Professionals at the Accra Sports Stadium will take place on Monday at 3.pm.
As of press time yesterday, struggling Legon Cities were slotting it out with WAFA, hoping to snatch their first win of the eight-week campaign.
Sports
Benjamin Asare’s call-up inspires local players – Osei Asibey
Hearts of Oak defender, Osei Asibey, has acknowledged that the call-up of Benjamin Asare, the current number one goalkeeper of the Ghana Black Stars, has given confidence to many local players to work hard.
Asibey explained that playing for the senior national team is time-based, and at the right time, every local player will get their chance.
“The Black Stars belong to Ghanaians, and everybody will get the chance to play for the Black Stars when the time is right. Benjamin Asare is a local player, and he has gotten the chance. I’m sure when it is our time, the country would call us to serve,” he asserted
Osei Asibey added that Asare’s achievement shows that with hard work, local players can also receive Black Stars call-ups.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Sports
World Cup Qualifiers: Ghana beats Mali to boost qualification hopes
The Ghana Black Stars on Monday evening secured a vital 1–0 win over Mali in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a result that strengthens their chances of booking a ticket to the 2026 tournament.
The Match
The only goal of the game came in the 52nd minute when Alexander Djiku powered home a header to put Ghana ahead at the charged Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana dominated possession and created more chances, with Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus troubling the Malian defense.
Coach Otto Addo’s side managed the game well, with substitutes, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Iñaki Williams and Joseph Paintsil helping to protect the narrow lead.
Mali pushed for an equalizer but Ghana’s defense held firm until the final whistle.
What the win means
The victory takes Ghana to the top of their qualifying group, giving them a strong advantage in the race to secure a direct World Cup spot.
It also boosts team confidence as the Black Stars aim to make their fifth appearance at the global showpiece.
Games Remaining and Qualification Path
Ghana now has two games left in the qualifiers. To qualify directly, they must finish first in their group.
If they end up second, they will have to compete in the CAF play-offs to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
About the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The next FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026, and run until July 19, 2026. For the first time in history, the tournament will feature 48 teams, an expansion from the usual 32.
It will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches spread across 16 cities.
By: Jacob Aggrey
